For advertisers it is hard to know how many people are really seeing your tv spot. Yes, you know how many people are tuned in to a specific program on a specific channel at a specific time. Yes, you know how old they are and what area of the country they come from. You may also know their annual household income. But what advertisers can’t guarantee is that they person who have their tv on is actually sitting there watching and listening to the ad. They could be in the bathroom, in the kitchen, on the phone, walking the dog, who knows?
Back in October, I boarded my Delta flight to Los Angeles in Detroit. I sat in my seat and got as comfortable as you can get in coach. As we started our departure from the gate the flight attendants asked us to focus our attention to our individual screens in front of us for the quick safety video. I was astonished that right before the safety information there were two ads presented. “What an interesting placement.” I remembered thinking.The sound of the ad plays not just to the individual but throughout the cabin as the video plays. This is a time when passengers are not using electronics like phones, iPods, tablets, readers, etc. and you have almost their full attention. On flights like mine, the impressions could range between 250-300 people in one flight.
But advertising on a plane is nothing new. Brands advertise on cups, napkins, tray tables, and windows. Check out some really creative plane ads here.
Marissa Osowsky 